Do Not Give Painkillers to Your Children Carelessly

Don't Give Your Children Pain Relievers Randomly Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital Pediatrician Dr. Evşen Çetin points out that consulting a physician is the correct approach when abdominal pain develops in children, and states: "It is also crucial that parents avoid giving pain relievers to their children without medical guidance. Because pain relievers used without physician recommendation can mask the underlying cause. As a result, the disease can progress and treatment can become more difficult."

Occurs in one out of every four children!

Pediatrician Dr. Evşen Çetin, noting that abdominal pain is a common, non-specific finding in childhood, explains this situation as follows: "Children are not miniature versions of adults and therefore are evaluated differently from adults. Most organs are located in the abdominal region. Because the abdominal region in children is located closer to other organs, pain is frequently seen in this area." Abdominal pain complaints occurring intermittently in one out of every four children are more frequently encountered in girls. The reason for this is that urinary tract infections and digestive problems occur more frequently in girls. Additionally, abdominal pain complaints seen in approximately 3% of two-year-old children increase to 5% in the 5-7 age range and up to 25% in the 8-12 age range.

Beware of stomach and intestinal infections!

The causes and frequency of abdominal pain can vary by age. Pediatrician Dr. Evşen Çetin states that the most common cause of abdominal pain in children is gastroenteritis, a stomach and intestinal infection caused by bacterial or viral infection. Additionally, constipation, food poisoning, lactose sensitivity and other digestive problems, issues in the liver, intestines or bile ducts, urinary tract infections and infectious diseases such as pneumonia, side effects of certain medications can also cause abdominal pain. Severe abdominal pain can also occur in conditions requiring emergency surgical intervention, such as appendicitis. Dr. Evşen Çetin notes that pain without an apparent cause is frequently seen in school-age children, stating: "The child evaluated by a pediatrician may need to be referred to a relevant specialist for therapy or psychological support."

When should you consult a physician?

Pediatrician Dr. Evşen Çetin warns that if any of the symptoms listed below are present, a physician should be consulted: • If abdominal pain wakes the child from sleep • If it prevents the child from paying attention to other things • If there is high fever and severe weakness • If blood is seen in stool • If there is cough or burning during urination • If facial swelling and rash develop • If there is dizziness • If the skin appears pale • If vomiting interferes with feeding • If it causes unexplained weight loss or slowing of growth

What diseases can it indicate?

Dr. Evşen Çetin provides the following information about diseases that abdominal pain in children can indicate: • If abdominal pain starts around the navel and moves to the lower right side of the abdomen, it may be appendicitis • If abdominal pain and vomiting, abdominal swelling, gas and inability to defecate occur, it may be intestinal obstruction • If there is frequent urination and burning during urination, it may be urinary tract infection • If there is a history of trauma followed by pain, it may be internal organ injury • If there are intermittent cramps, abdominal swelling, a palpable mass in the upper abdomen and stool with a currant jelly consistency, conditions such as intussusception may be involved.